Calculation of weld parameters and thermal efficiency in electron beam welding

Using the model of quasi-steady thermal distribution in a solid sample, gen erated by a linear heat source, moving at constant welding velocity, values of the weld depth at a given weld width are calculated and compared with t he experimental data. A discussion for thermal efficiency and an analysis c oncerning the correlation between the weld depth and weld width and the pro cess parameters are given. The results show that the steady operating, movi ng linear heat source can be assumed as an approximation in the simulation of electron beam welding with a deep penetrating beam. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.